Obituary of John Peter O'Reilly

John Peter O'Reilly, 64

John Peter O’Reilly, 64, of West Orange, NJ passed away peacefully on 1/27/2026.
Born in Orange, NJ to Terence and Teresa O’Reilly, John was raised in West Orange and remained a lifelong resident.
John was a graduate of West Orange High School, where he made lifetime friendships. After graduation John joined Local 68 Operating Engineers and began his career that would continue for the next 45 years. His most recent job was as an Electrician at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ.
While working at The Howard Savings Bank, Johnny met the love of his life Nancy, and their story was just beginning. They have been together for 35 years, married for nearly 30 years. So many years of love, laughter, traveling, beaches, concerts, quiet moments together – truly made for each other. It was not often that you saw one without the other.
Johnny was a Lifetime Member of the West Orange Elks 1590 lodge, where in his younger days he was the pitcher for their softball team. He was also a member of the Irish-American Society of the Oranges, of which his Dad was one of the founding members. Johnny was proud to have been honored as a “friend” of The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Club in 2010.
Johnny O’s favorite day of the year was the annual West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade Day. He always woke up early, like a kid on Christmas Day, excited for the festivities ahead. He was extremely proud of his Irish-American heritage. Marching proudly up Main Street, carrying the banner for the Irish-American Society, alongside Richie – beaming the whole way (and sometimes fighting the strong winds!). It was a day of Irish pride and a reunion – a chance to see friends that had moved away and came back for the day. Truly his favorite day of the year!
Johnny was an avid and devoted sports fan – his favorite teams being the NY Mets, the NY Jets, and Seton Hall college basketball. He loved the Irish – rooting for Notre Dame came easy for him. One of his favorite trips was getting to see The Irish play in South Bend – he greeted the ticket taker like he was Rudy’s Dad entering the stadium.
Johnny is survived by his best friend and wife, Nancy (Harris) O’Reilly, his mother Teresa O’Reilly, his sisters Margaret O’Reilly, Maureen Dolan and brother-in-law Chris Dolan, as well as his bonus in law family John Harris, Ellen & Dan Schoch, Joe & Lisa Harris, Andy & Diane Harris and many beloved cousins.
Uncle Johnny loved and was adored by all his nieces and nephews – Casey, Ronnie, Rudi, Brianna, Christopher, Katy, Joey, Jessie, Austin, Danny, Brooke, Emily, Brian, Paul, Michele, Brendan, Jackie, Jack L. & Jack H. The great nieces and nephews brought him much joy,
especially over the past few years. He didn’t get to see them personally too often, but loved all the pictures he received of Stella, Piper, Harper, Raelyn, Ahsoka, Jace, Henry, Lucy, Eric and Delilah.
When Johnny O’ made a friend, it was for Life – and he had too many friends to attempt to list here, but know it’s true, you were all a huge part of his heart.
John was preceded in death by his Dad, Terence O’Reilly, his in-laws John and Anne Harris and sister-in-law Kath Harris, as well as many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 1st at Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main St., West Orange, NJ from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 2nd at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 1 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange, NJ at 11:00 am.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to one of his favorite charities: The West Orange Elks for the Special Children’s Committee – checks can be made out to West Orange Elks #1590 and sent to West Orange Elks, 424 Main St., West Orange, NJ 07052 or Alzheimer’s Association @ www.alz.org or your favorite charity.
May the road rise to meet you – may the wind be always at your back - may the sun shine warm upon your face - the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again - may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.